Let’s talk about something that doesn’t often get the spotlight — children born with craniofacial differences. These are real kids, real families, facing some incredibly tough challenges from day one. But here’s the good news: there’s one place in Northern New England that’s rewriting their stories — Face of a Child.
Based out of Lebanon, New Hampshire, this program isn’t just another medical clinic. It’s the only full-service craniofacial center in the entire region. That means families don’t have to travel far and wide or juggle multiple appointments with different specialists. Everything they need — from diagnosis to surgery to emotional support — happens under one compassionate roof.
Video: Explaining Cleft Lip and Palate
You know how frustrating it is to bounce between doctors who never seem to talk to each other? This program flips that experience on its head. Twice a month — on the second and fourth Tuesdays — their full team meets in real time, face-to-face, to review each child’s case and craft a unified, personalized treatment plan.
It’s not just about fixing a cleft lip or managing a rare condition. It’s about making sure every child gets care that’s tailor-made just for them. No cookie-cutter solutions here — just teamwork, dedication, and expertise.
Now, let’s get something straight. This isn’t just about treating cleft lips or genetic syndromes. It’s about giving kids the chance to smile, to speak clearly, to feel confident, and to grow up with dignity.
Whether it’s craniosynostosis, microtia, or complex genetic conditions affecting the skull and face, the clinic tackles it all. And they don’t just focus on the medical side — they bring in specialists who understand the emotional and social effects too. Because what happens on the inside matters just as much as what happens on the outside.
Ever felt like you were navigating a maze when trying to get medical care for a loved one? That’s where the Craniofacial Coordinator steps in. Think of them as the guide every family wishes they had — helping parents stick to treatment plans, find local doctors, and tap into community support systems.
It’s that kind of hands-on help that makes a stressful process feel just a little bit lighter. And when you’re dealing with surgeries, follow-ups, and emotional ups and downs, that extra bit of help isn’t just nice — it’s vital.
Video: Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM) for Cleft Lip and Palate
You might be surprised to learn that this incredible care hub isn’t in a big city — it’s tucked away in New Hampshire. But don’t let the small-town vibe fool you. Every year, more than 350 children walk through their doors, making nearly 600 visits in total. That’s a lot of kids getting a fresh start.
And the clinic doesn’t stop at the state line. Families from across the region travel here for the kind of coordinated, compassionate care they just can’t find anywhere else.
So what’s the secret sauce behind this program’s success? It’s the way they blend cutting-edge treatment with a whole lot of heart.
Medical teams don’t just look at x-rays or scans. They listen. They ask questions. They sit down with families and make them part of the decision-making process. And because they work together so closely, there’s no delay, no disconnect — just solutions, fast.
The relationships built here aren’t one-and-done. They’re long-term. Lifelong, in many cases. Kids who start treatment as babies might still be checking in as teens — and the team is right there with them every step of the way.
Parents aren’t treated like outsiders. They’re part of the care team. Their voices matter. Their instincts matter. And that kind of collaboration builds trust — the kind that lasts.
At the end of the day, Face of a Child is more than a medical program. It’s a place where families feel seen, where kids get second chances, and where healing goes far beyond the physical.
They’re not just changing faces — they’re changing lives. And in a world that can sometimes feel cold and clinical, this team stands out for their warmth, their dedication, and their relentless pursuit of what’s best for every child who walks through their doors.
If you’ve ever wondered what true, patient-centered care looks like — this is it.